Technique of the Week (July 11th 2011)

From Sensei Bruce Silver
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Ueshiro Midtown Karate Dojo.
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Sounds of Silence

Over the years while simply training on my own I have run into deshi on off-peak hours. A common question they ask me is how do you match the same intensity/effectiveness while training by yourself. Some deshi have told me that the silence would be too deafening and uncomfortable to work out in an empty dojo.

I relish an empty dojo! To me, the dojo is never really empty. When I put my gi on and step on the deck, I never really feel alone. After meditation, clearing my mind of negative thoughts, as Miyamoto Musashi wrote in his book of Five Rings, the training begins and the energy flows. Now is the time to listen for those inner voices of teachers both past and present. Listen closer and you’ll hear them talking to you, encouraging you and guiding you.

Take advantage of training on your own, in the dojo or out. Your journey as a martial artist will lead you that much closer to true karate-do.

Domo Arigato Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei and Deshi.

Sensei Bruce Silver

Midtown Karate Dojo, N.Y.C.